Below you will find a list of possible questions. The questions are categorized as either “Reading Comprehension” questions and “Analysis Questions.” Answer SIX analysis questions and FOUR reading comprehension questions. If you answer less than six analysis questions or less than four reading comprehension questions, I will receive 0 points for each question left unanswered. The reading comprehension questions are worth 20 points (5 points each). The analysis questions are worth 80 points (13.3 points each). Points will be allotted based on substance, textual evidence used, and paragraph structure/writing style. Write thoughtfully and clearly. Support what you say and write well.

1. Reading Comprehension. The Reserve Army: Olivos and Sandoval [3/25 reading] make two crucial arguments: 1) that neoliberal policies created a mobile reserve army of labor originating in Latin America and; 2) the notion of the reserve army has come to define Latinx identity in the United States. Carefully explain and fully flesh out both of these arguments. Include at least 3 quotes from the text to substantiate your explanation. 2. Analysis. The Reserve Army: Based on your own anecdotal evidence do you agree with Olivos’s and Sandoval’s claim that Latinx social identity is defined in part by the notion of the reserve army? If no, explain why not and offer alternative definitions of Latinx social identity to support your claim. If yes, discuss what social and political implications follow if US culture defines individuals who are Latinx as reserve army members. 8. Reading Comprehension. The State in Marx: Sweezy and Schettino maintain that Marx offers a class domination theory of the state to challenge positive bourgeois conceptions of the state. Explain the class domination theory of the state and explain how it poses a challenge to positive bourgeois conceptions. Include at least 3 quotes from either Sweezy or/and Schettino in your answer. 9. Analysis. The State in Marx: Schettino finds Marx’s positive and radically democratic conception of politics not only utopian, but also inadequate and dangerous. Reconstruct Schettino’s critique of Marx’s positive conception of politics and assess it. Are you persuaded by Schettino’s critique? Why? Why not? Offer strong reasons to defend your view. Include at least 3 quotes from Schettino in your answer. 11. Analysis: The State in Marx: What distinct reforms would you propose if you were a member of the proletariat and you believed the bourgeois state was illegitimately dominating the proletariat at a situational, institutional and systemic level? Propose distinct reforms for each form of domination. Refer to Wright to clarify these distinct forms of domination. 12. Reading Comprehension: The State in Marx. According to Meckstroth, Marx offers a theory of the semi-autonomous state. Explain this theory. Include at least 3 quotes from Meckstroth to support your explanation. 13. Analysis. The State in Marx. If we agree with Meckstroth’s account of the semi-autonomous state, discuss what some of the implications that might follow for political action by citizens and by the state? Meckstroth mentions some implications. You can draw on them and add your own. 22. Analysis: Revolutionary Violence. Hitchcock offers many reasons to defend his claim that the time was not ripe for revolutionary violence in 2013 (when he wrote the piece). Reconstruct his reasons against using revolutionary violence and evaluate the merits of his claims. If you disagree with Hitchcock be sure to explain the basis of your disagreement. 24. Reading Comprehension: SCIENTIFIC MANAGEMENT AND SOCIALISM. In the readings by Johnstone (5/1), and Tabak (5/6) we discover arguments against aligning Marxism or socialism with centralization or with any kind of bureaucratic/technocratic power. Reconstruct their arguments against centralization and bureaucratic control 26. Analysis: SOCIALIST INSTITUTIONS There is much debate on whether socialism or the transition to socialism needs political and economic centralization or decentralized, elite leadership or democratic control. Engage this debate. Rely on the readings by Kieran (5/6), Smith (4/29), Johnstone, Breaugh, and Tabak to develop your understanding of the sorts of institutions that may aid in the transition to socialism or may enable socialism to take root.